Indoor Plants Can Trigger Allergies

Filed in archive Hay Fever , Latex/Rubber Allergies , Living with Allergies on September 25, 2006

Those with pollen allergies are often advised to stay indoors. But if you have indoor plants, staying put at home may be as muhc, if not more of a problem to your allergies as heading out. As I've mentioned in a comment I left in a previous entry, your proximity to the source of the offending material does matter, be it pollen, dust or some other allergen.

For indoor plants, pollens are noth the only problems. for those with latex allergies, some plants which secrete rubbery substance such as ficus (we have one in our living room, and it's a pain to clean!) may also pose risks to those with latex allergies. It has also been found out that some common house plants can trigger allergic rhinitis.

If you have allergic rhinitis, or other allergic symptoms, try putting away your plant and see if the symptoms subside. IF they do, you might want to review your choice of houseplants, or maybe you'll have to resort to plastic ones. I hate plastic ornaments, but at least they're safe... if they're latex free, that is!